Becoming God’s Presence to Others

October 29, 2024 Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Ephesians 5:21-33; Luke 13:18-21

Perhaps one of our many curiosities is the same question asked in today’s Gospel: “What is the Kingdom of God like?” Many of us refer to the Kingdom of God as heaven. Kids and even many adults would point to heaven as the Kingdom of God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses two images to describe the Kingdom of God – that of a mustard seed and that of a yeast. What do these two objects have in common? They are both almost invisible to the eyes and as such they seem insignificant. The mustard seed, however, eventually becomes a large bush that gives shelter to birds while the yeast transforms the flour into a dough.

There are many ways to look at the Kingdom of God. But in today’s Gospel, it is clear that the Kingdom of God is not a place that is visible but a state that one experiences when one accepts the Lord to rule over one’s life. This is also the message of the first reading. When we submit to God, He becomes our ruler, thereby becoming His Kingdom.

 This means that in each of us who believes and welcomes Christ, we become God’s presence to others. This means that through and with us, others experience God’s presence.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: If we look then deep into our hearts, are we God’s presence to others? Do our thoughts, words and deeds speak of the presence of God in us? Do we become the mustard seed or the yeast that transforms others into something beautiful, something that speaks of the magnificent grace of God?

If we were to be the presence of Christ to others, they should experience forgiveness, generosity, kindness, patience, mercy and compassion through us.